BrainCheck

How can you collect data reflecting the changes in cognitive function that appear when someone has a concussion? BrainCheck combines neuroscience with a mobile platform to gauge changes from baseline.

At the heart of BrainCheck’s mission is a simple fact: subtle problems in brain function can be detected by small changes in attention, cognition, short-term memory, reaction time, and balance. BrainCheck leverages advances in brain science and portable computing to collect data relative to the brain's performance, taking a snapshot of the brain's function at that time.

Despite the prevalence of concussions, early detection remains a diagnostic challenge. Why? Because most individuals with concussions don’t display problems which can be detected by brain imaging or traditional mental state examination. Unfortunately, early detection is critical—otherwise, continued activity can worsen the injury, often irreversibly. But there are early signs that can signal a concussion risk that don't have to be missed.

The BrainCheck battery of rapid, interactive tests quickly harvests twelve performance measures that correlate with concussion. Our proprietary scoring system weighs the results and provides color-coded output to indicate the degree of difference in scores in current test scores from baseline test scores. Our expertise in making the tests rapid and simple maximizes the ease of operator use, and the short duration of the test allows it to be used on the sidelines during games. We’ve baked catch-trials into the tests to preclude the possibility of cheating.

With all these pieces in place, BrainCheck provides coaches and clinicians with the critical information they need to optimize return-to-play decisions. Athletic teams from youth sports through professional need a solution that is comprehensive, fast, and portable. BrainCheck seeks to check all those boxes, giving medical professionals the information they need to detect problems, track symptoms, and manage long term conditions.

To bring this company to fruition, we have put together a very talented team. Please let us know what you think.

In February 2011, I spent an evening speaking at the Rubin Museum in NYC with punk rock legend, writer, and spoken word artist Henry Rollins. We discussed the origin, meaning, neuroscience, and bizarreness of dreams.

SUM at the Royal Opera House

SUM has been turned into an opera at the Royal Opera House in London (Composer: Max Richter, Director: Wayne McGregor). The London Evening Standard hails the opera as "immersive, meditative and sweetly fascinating". Read about the background of the collaboration in Wired.